Is Summer Over Yet?

I LOVE summer and spending time with the girls, having a slower pace, and just hanging out. But this summer has been a LONG one! We took a fabulous trip to Disney World as soon as school was out and then a quick trip to Atlanta for a family reunion, but because Mark is new at his job and can't use his vacation days yet we haven't done much else. We have had fun at the pool, movies, mall, zoo, etc. but I'd like to get outta town and have one last little fling of summer. The girls have been together too much for too long--bored and fighting! So yesterday I gave in and pulled out their Christmas present! I grabbed up Rock Band for the wii as soon as it came out and was holding onto it until Christmas, but desperate times call for desperate measures! They have loved it (Mark too!) and we have had a little less fighting, or maybe just a different topic to fight about! Even Sierra got in on the fun, with her Hannah Montana guitar! And please ignore the messy bonus room--another product of summer!

Pierced Ears!

Yesterday Ashtyn said that she wanted her ears pierced, largely because one of her little friends recently had hers done. I was surprised, but said we could go on Saturday. Last night she decided that it needed to be done today and this morning she still insisted. So off we went to the mall, something I never do without Mark's help! Since Ash is my most timid, I wasn't convinced that she would actually get them pierced and tried to tell her that it was okay if she changed her mind. She took a teddy bear to hold onto, picked her earrings, and climbed up in the chair. She looked so nervous and I was nervous for her! When Lauren and Mackenzie had theirs done, I made sure there were 2 people so that both ears could be done at the same time. There was only one person working today and I was positive that once the first one was done, we'd be outta there! Ash was so great! She didn't make a sound and sat there so big and brave. She said the first one hurt, but didn't cry and got the second one done like a pro. I was so proud of her and she loves her new "dazzling" earrings! Way to go, Ash!

Can't Wait!

Breaking Dawn
Originally uploaded by Angel of Hearts

This summer I have ignored my family and taken time to read. I love to read and used to read a lot, but I have one small problem. When I read I tend to ignore my family and they end up having cereal for dinner and wearing dirty clothes! They've survived while I have read Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and The Host. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn and you can bet that I will be camped out next Friday night to get my copy. I even ordered a shirt for the occasion, approved by my wonderful (even if he doesn't sparkle!) husband. Can't wait to find out what happens to Edward and Bella! I'll admit that I'm a little bit obsessed, but I did get Mark and Lauren to read all 3 in the Twilight Saga as well. I will definitely be reading next weekend and will celebrate my birthday on December 12th with the release of the movie!

American Girls

kit_kittredge_an_american_girl_ver7
Originally uploaded by MyCine

Okay, we took a break from the pool and went to see the American Girl doll movie, Kit Kittredge. It was actually a cute movie and we had a good time. I was in it for the popcorn, diet coke, and the chance to sit and not entertain my kids for a couple of hours. Sierra even zonked out towards the end, which made it even more enjoyable. Now my girls have a newfound love for the dolls. I had avoided buying into all of the American Girl Doll hype for a long time and finally last Christmas Santa broke down and brought 2. (I've got to admit, I didn't buy them new--I found them at a consignment sale and my girls never even knew the difference. They looked great!) Mackenzie has been wanting Samantha for a very long time and Ashtyn got Kit. Since the movie, the girls have been poring over the catalogs and have Christmas lists already. And Samantha's leg popped off and I will have to send her to the American Girl Hospital to have it reattached. Hope I can live with the drama of her absence for a couple of weeks! Don't get me wrong, I think the dolls are really cute and my girls have loved them. I just don't understand why you have to drop $100 to own one. And the outfits and accessories are just outrageous! Heaven help us if the girls find out about the American Girl Place in Chicago and Atlanta!

Camp!

Last week Lauren and I packed up and headed out to girl's camp. I must admit that I was a little bit apprehensive about the experience and less than thrilled about going. I am definitely not a camper and the idea of no air conditioning in mid-July was not appealing. I put on my "happy face" and off we went in a 15-passenger van full of giggly girls driven by me. I was immediately glad that I had agreed to go as Lauren ended up being sick the first day. She spent several hours sleeping in the nurse's station while I went back and forth between her and my group of 4th year girls. She started to feel better in the evening and by the next morning was back to herself. Glad I didn't have to call Mark to come and get her!

It was hot and humid! It's a fairly new camp and there aren't many trees to provide shade. We stayed under the pavilions as much as we could. The girls really loved the climbing and repelling tower and the ropes course and zip line. We certified, did crafts, had some great lessons, sang crazy songs, did some skits, and had some great food. I actually think I might want to volunteer to help out again next year. It was a fun 3 days, but I was ready to get home to Mark and my girls and of course, my diet coke!!

Aunt Mary came home from the family reunion with us and stayed with the girls while Mark was at work. She spoiled my 3 younger ones and they had a great time. Ashtyn went to a little ballet camp and Sierra wished that she had. She took them swimming, to the mall, to soccer, and the park. I think we were all wishing she didn't have to go home. Thanks, Mary! Hope you've recovered by now!




"Aunt Mary is the greatest!"

Family Reunion

Over the 4th of July weekend we attended a family reunion in Atlanta with Mark's family. We stayed air conditioned cabins on a lake near Atlanta. We went out on the lake in paddle boats, a kayak, and canoes. The girls had a great time meeting lots of cousins, swimming in the pool, playing basketball, and rock band.

Ashtyn in the pool with her cousin, Cory.



Lauren with cousins Kristi and Casey.






Mackenzie loved going out on the paddle boats!





Sierra made friends with everyone!

All of the kids!



Saturday night we left the little girls with Aunt Diane (Thank you!!!) and went to a Braves game. The Braves lost, but we had a great time!